GamesRadar - Phantasy Star Universe

411mania's Release List for the Week of March 2, 2009 (News)

Mar 5, 2009

411mania gives a rundown on this week's game releases. Highlights include Phantasy Star Portable, The King of Fighters '98: Ultimate Match, and Sukashishipanman DS: Shokotak Koto Nakagawa Shouko Produce!

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Phantasy Star Portable (PSP)
With Phantasy Star Portable, Sega basically took Phantasy Star Universe, fixed a lot of the problems people had with it, tweaked it to be more single-player friendly, and added more story elements. Some of those who hated PSU are actually saying that they like this version of the game. I find that hard to believe, but it's possible. If anything, this will at least give us something to do while waiting for Phantasy Star Zero.

Here is what you can expect from PSP:

- New story missions that take place between the original Phantasy Star Universe and Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus
In Phantasy Star Portable you will team up with a Cast named Vivienne as she investigates recent terrorist attacks on the colony as well as animal outbreaks on the surface of some of the planets. Space adventure and mayhem follow. I thought that PSU's story was ok; it wasn't groundbreaking or very memorable but it was still decent. So, if Sega was able to craft a story that is at least on par with the first game's, these missions could be worth plaything through at least once.

- Local as well as online play (with the help of a PS3 or your PC)
As expected, you can play with three other friends locally using the PSP's ad hoc mode. Those wishing to play over the Internet have two options - one that requires a PS3 and another that requires a computer. To use your PS3 you have to download the Ad-Hoc Party application from the Japanese PSN store and do a little tinkering. You can find instructions on how to do this at the PSO-World forums here. If you want to use your PC there's XLink Kai. Note that these two options work for the Japanese and English dem...

Sega confirms some release dates (News)

Nov 28, 2007

Sega sent out an email today, confirming the release dates for a number of their upcoming games. Among others, relase dates for such highly anticipated games like The Club (Feb 8th '08), Condemned 2 (Feb '08) and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Nov 23rd '07) were confirmed.

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus: Details announced (News)

Nov 8, 2007

Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus on the Xbox 360 is an expansion to the epic sci-fi action role-playing game, Phantasy Star Universe, and will be available for download via Xbox Live exclusively on November 20, 2007 for 1600 Microsoft Points.

The PC and PS2 versions of Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus are stand alone releases. The PC and PS2 versions will be available across Europe on the 11th of January, 2008 for £19.99 or €29.99.

Whether tackling quests online with a party of up to six adventurers, or fighting through the next chapters of the exciting online story missions from the original game, Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus enables gamers to experience the wonders of the Gurhal System through the eyes of a personalised avatar. The expansion pack allows gamers to experience an even richer and more varied Phantasy Star experience. Players will explore exciting new levels, such as the Ruins of Old Rozenom City and the subterranean Granigs Mines, where they will encounter new and more powerful enemy types and bosses, and master additional versatile class types.

Phantasy Star Universe gets new content (News)

Apr 27, 2007

The stupidly nostalgic (for us PSO nuts anyway) Phantasy Star Universe is set to expand with a new Ambition of Illuminus expansion pack. Arriving in the form of downloadable content on Xbox 360 and a retail release for PC and PS2 users, the expansion introduces new single-player and online content such as new roulette and slot mini-games in the lobbies and a slew of new weapons and armor for your ...

Phantasy Star Expansion Pack For PS2 And Xbox 360 (News)

Apr 27, 2007

Sega unleashed a big 'ole news release detailing the new expansion pack for Phantasy Star Universe for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2. The new expansion isn't the only news though. There's also a community event taking place within Phantasy Star Universe that sees a need for more Guardians.

Phantasy Star Universe content update (News)

Dec 8, 2006

Phantasy Star Universe players on the 360, PC, and PS2 platforms can get a jolly jump on the holidays with a package of new updates for PSU released today, December 8th. Like all of the best presents, PSU will continue to give even after the holiday season because SEGA has promised that, “In an effort to support our avid GUARDIANs, new content in PSU will be updated on a weekly basis.” So, strap on your party hats and get ready for fun into the new ...

Phantasy Star Universe gets its first update (News)

Dec 6, 2006

Christmas will come early this year for die-hard Phantasy Star Universe fans when the game's first update launches on December 8. Expect a challenging new Guardian Mission as well as several S-Rank Missions for high level characters. You'll also be able to pump your online character up with new skills and seven new Advanced Class types. By choosing a new Advanced Class type, you'll be able to further refine your character's specialties and level them up to be able to use more powerful A and S ...

Phantasy Star Universe (Review)

Oct 31, 2006

The universe of Phantasy Star has always been a unique one. Its refreshing sci-fi style breaks the swords 'n' sorcery RPG mold. Phantasy Star Online's networked approach was highly addictive and gave fans a reason to fall in love with the series all over again. But, no matter how stunning Phantasy Star Online was, gamers love single-player, story-driven RPGs. The intended solution was Phantasy Star Universe, which promised to contain both fully-realized story and online modes, to give fans ...

Phantasy Star Universe Ships to Retailers (News)

Oct 25, 2006

Sega of America Inc. today announced that Phantasy Star Universe has shipped in North America for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and for the PC.

Phantasy Star Universe Beta Update (News)

Oct 12, 2006

The Phantasy Star Universe Xbox 360 Open Beta will be uploaded to Xbox Live Marketplace this weekend, so get ready to download and play with your friends! In order to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this exclusive free beta, with extended uninterrupted weekend play, the multiplayer open beta will be available for download for two days only, and will be playable through to Oct. 18.

Please watch this page, as well as our Official Phantasy Star Universe forums for more information. Thank you for your patience, we look forward to seeing everyone online very soon!

Phantasy Star Universe Pricing Details (News)

Oct 10, 2006

Sega has announced official word on the pricing for Phantasy Star Universe's MMORPG Persistant world.

Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

Oct 5, 2006

Thursday 5 October 2006 With Phantasy Star Universe heading for a November launch, we've had the chance to take a tour of the online action. As any fan is aware - and if you aren't a fan, now you know - multiplayer is where Phantasy Star Online really shined and the same seems to be true of PSU. Your adventure begins with character creation and there are more options than ever. Outside of your sex and build, most of these can be changed later at various shops. Unlike PSO character data is ...

Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

Oct 3, 2006

Phantasy Star Universe is mere weeks away from launch, and today we took a tour of the online action. As any fan is aware - and if you aren't a fan, now you know - multiplayer is where Phantasy Star Online really shined, and the same seems to be true of PSU. If you'd like extensive details on single-player, check out our recent previews. Otherwise, come take a tour of Sega's online universe. Your adventure begins with character creation, and there are more options than ever. Outside of your ...

Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

Sep 8, 2006

Welcome back to our continuing coverage of Phantasy Star Universe. Lots has come to light since last week, so let's jump right in. For starters, we've finally gotten a good sense of the game's three planets, Parum, Neudaiz and Moatoob, and each has its own very unique look and feel. Parum is the first one you'll visit, and it's your typical lush, green paradise. Oddly, however, it's ruled by the Cast race, androids that helped restore the planet after past conflicts and who often harbor ...

Phantasy Star Universe - trailer 2 (Video)

Sep 8, 2006

What are you looking for in the Phantasy Star Universe experience? If it's an online dungeon crawler, then this will do the trick. If it's a compelling story, though, we can't justify traveling to this universe.

Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

Aug 30, 2006

Our Phantasy Star Universe adventures continue, and we've got a whole lot more to reveal. Last week we delved into the revamped single-player adventure and the fast-paced new combat system, so check that if you missed out. This time we're all about the excellent graphics and detailed character customization. As any online RPGer will tell you, the ability to customize your own character can make or break a game. You don't want your avatar to look like everyone elses'; you want to be a unique ...

Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

Aug 22, 2006

It's been a long time coming, but the first true sequel to the best online RPG to ever hit a console is finally nearing completion. Sorry, EverQuest Online Adventures, we're talking about the classic Phantasy Star Online and its soon-to-be follow-up, Phantasy Star Universe. Sega was recently kind enough to drop by with the latest versions for PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360, so we'll be sharing all of the juicy details in the coming weeks. While the preview copies are currently limited to offline ...

Phantasy Star Universe details (News)

Jul 18, 2006

New details have emerged of forthcoming PC, PS2 and Xbox 360 title Phantasy Star Universe - including news that you'll be able to create and customise your very own virtual living space.

That's according to an article in Famitsu, partially translated by GameSpot, which says you'll use special "remodelling tickets" to choose yourself a room from a range of designs.

You'll be able to spruce up your space by purchasing special items, and give other players presents, too. When you're online, up to five players can come and join you in your room - and even when you're offline, it'll still be open for others to come and visit. And if you need to drum up a bit of cash, you can even hold a jumble sale in your room to get rid of any unwanted junk.

Phantasy Star screen reveal (News)

Jun 12, 2006

Monday 12 June 2006 Take a look at these 10 new screens from online RPG Phantasy Star Universe, the much-awaited follow-up to the excellent Phantasy Star Online, which is set for Japanese release on 31 August and will hit UK shores by the end of the year. The new screens focus on the blades 'n' bullets combat of the game, but also offer a glimpse of the player-controlled vehicles that are new to the series. And by 'vehicles' we also mean 'animals' - check out the shot of the Chocobo-style ...

Phantasy Star Universe (Screenshots)

Jun 12, 2006

Phantasy Star Universe - trailer (Video)

May 11, 2006

E3 06: Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

May 10, 2006

Sega's last console, the Dreamcast, has been dead and buried for almost five years now. One series that absolutely refuses to die with it, however, is its online version of RPG classic Phantasy Star. The game has hopped from Dreamcast to GameCube to Xbox, never quite catching the mainstream MMO appeal. Phantasy Star Universe hopes to change that by offering a planet-spanning single-player game in addition to the limitless, online dungeon crawling. The series began as a traditional, solo RPG, ...

A galaxy of Phantasy Star screens (News)

May 8, 2006

Monday 8 May 2006 Sega has released this horde of lovely screens from this autumn's big name online role-playing game, Phantasy Star Universe. Set to appear on PS2, Xbox 360 and PC, the game is the sequel to Dreamcast's innovative and much loved adventure Phantasy Star Online. But this time it will offer a strong story and a bolstered solo mode to match the immense worlds previously seen only online. And whatever way you decide to play, Phantasy Star Online will offer a huge cast of heroes ...

Phantasy Star Universe (Preview)

Mar 9, 2006

The fast-paced enemy-slaughtering, dungeon-crawling formula popularized by Diablo has proven more than merely popular. It's massive. Few companies, however, have found ways to make it their own. Somehow, Sega has taken its classic sci-fi Phantasy Star RPG franchise and done just that. Blending action-packed dungeon exploration, stylish console-style presentation and a full single-player quest to compliment its online hack and slash, PSU should clue PC gamers in to what console fanatics have ...